Removal of Wanaao traffic project to begin

The city will begin today dismantling a demonstration traffic-calming project on Wanaao Road because it didn't significantly slow traffic and it caused more safety problems for motorists and residents.

Community demands led the city to set up the temporary project, which involved laying cones near the entrance to Enchanted Lake.

"Our studies showed the project had an insignificant effect on speeding traffic, and it created safety issues for residents who live in the immediate area, making it difficult for them to get in and out of their driveways," Mayor Mufi Hannemann said.

The city will remove temporary curbs and delineators beginning today.

Plans also call for installing additional signs and placing trailer-mounted speed indicators to let drivers know how fast they are driving on that stretch of road.

Commencement for Chaminade on Monday

Chaminade University will hold its commencement ceremony on Monday, Dec. 12, at 7 p.m. in the Neal Blaisdell Concert Hall. The Rev. Stephen Tutas, one of the founders of the university 50 years ago, will be the guest commencement speaker. Tutas will also receive an honorary doctorate for his work in Catholic education.

Tickets are necessary for admission; however, the ceremony will be telecast live on Olelo Television as well as on Chaminade's Web site. More information can also be found at www.chaminade.edu/misc/ commencement.php.

Surfer's death from drowning confirmed

Malik Joyeux, a well-known surfer from Paeea, Tahiti, died from asphyxia due to drowning, according to the Honolulu Medical Examiner's Office.

The drowning was attributed to a head injury Joyeux suffered after he wiped out on a large wave at Banzai Pipeline on Friday. The medical examiner said the manner of death was accidental. A memorial service for Joyeux was to be held today at Ehukai Beach Park, across from Sunset Beach Elementary School, at 2 p.m.

Holiday flowers OK'd at Punchbowl graves

People may place flowers and potted plants at grave sites in the National Memorial Cemetery of the Pacific for the Christmas holiday starting Dec. 20.

They will be removed Jan. 3. Flowers may not be secured to headstones or markers. Metal hooks should not be used to secure potted plants or decorations. Christmas trees and decorations, permanent plantings, statues, vigil lights, glass objects and other commemorative items including toys, pinwheels, balloons and stuffed toys are prohibited.

He is the author of the book "Proof Positive: How to Reliably Combat Disease and Achieve Optimal Health through Nutrition and Lifestyle." For more information, call 575-7694 or see VSH.org.

Police, Fire, Courts

By Star-Bulletin staff

NEIGHBOR ISLANDS

Substance in landfill forces road closure

WAILUKU » Maui fire officials were investigating a suspected hazardous substance from the county landfill in Puunene that prompted authorities to close a back road to Upcountry areas for several hours.

Pulehu Road was re-opened after about five hours at 8:45 p.m. Monday.

The substance in two containers was sent to an Oahu laboratory for analysis, said county information officer Ellen Pelissero.

Pelissero said the substance may have been chlorine. The landfill was reopened yesterday, and there has been no apparent contamination, she said. Battalion Chief David Kamalani said a landfill worker went home Monday morning because of dizziness and another was treated and later released from a hospital that afternoon.

Kamalani said the substance was difficult to identify because it apparently was run over by a bulldozer in the morning and afternoon and was mixed in with various rubbish. He said fire officials received the emergency call at 3:46 p.m. Monday and left about five hours later after containing the area with the suspected material.

LEEWARD OAHU

Police seek suspect in alleged gun threat

Police were looking for a 33-year-old man who allegedly threatened his ex-girlfriend with a firearm in Pearl City Monday morning.

The suspect and victim, 37, had gotten into an argument when the suspect allegedly threatened her with a firearm, assaulted her, and prevented her from escaping. The victim was later able to get away and went to an area hospital where police were called.

Officers later located the suspect near his home but he eluded capture.

License plate tips off police on car theft

Police arrested and charged a man after he had allegedly been driving an older-model stolen car with temporary paper license plates used on new cars.

Shaun A.K. Hew Len, 21, was spotted by officers in Waianae on Sunday and tried to ditch the stolen car he was allegedly driving, according to police. Officers found and arrested him along Nukea Street after a short scuffle.

Police charged Hew Len on Monday with auto theft. Police were also holding Hew Len on four outstanding warrants for contempt of court. He was being held in lieu of $160,000 bail.

HONOLULU

Homeless man in hospital after arrest

A 26-year-old homeless man was listed in critical condition after police said officers were forced to use pepper spray to restrain him Monday.

Police were called to an address at North Pauahi Street in Chinatown at about 6:40 a.m. to investigate reports that a man had assaulted several other people.

Arriving officers spotted the man who then ran toward Maunakea Street. Police confronted him on Hotel Street where they used pepper spray on him. He then pulled a tree out of the ground, police said.

The man was taken to the police cellblock and placed in a padded cell because of disorderly behavior and an ambulance was called, police said. The man then became unresponsive and was taken to an area hospital where he was listed in critical condition.

Police said the man appeared to be under the influence of drugs and alcohol and that he had been drinking all night with a friend prior to the incident.